Constitutionalism, Democratisation and Militarism in Uganda
Date
2016
Authors
Muchwa Asiimwe, Solomon
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Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Nkumba University
Abstract
The paper analyses the extent to which constitutionalism and democratization have
played out in Uganda and whether militarism has interfered with the sustainability of
constitutionalism and democratization, leading to indiscriminate suppression of human rights of
individuals and groups in the country. This analysis is done through a historical trajectory. The
paper opens up with an introduction detailing Uganda’s political landscape; it explains the
concept of democratization next and discusses how militarism has influenced constitutionalism
and democratization in Uganda. The paper concludes by noting that constitutionalism and
democracy can guarantee human rights but the involvement of the military and security forces in
managing civilian activities has tended to undermine this in Uganda. The involvement of security
forces in Uganda politics has been right from the first government and even today there are
stories reported about the security and military officials acting extra-judiciary. It is stressed in
this paper that democracy requires the people to participate in their political governance freely
and a legitimate government requires the consent of the people but not the manifestation of
authority.
Description
Keywords
Constitutionalism, Democratisation, Good governance